Energy secretary, a Fall River native, to speak at UMass commencement

Monday

Apr 14, 2014 at 12:42 PMApr 14, 2014 at 1:02 PM

U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, a Fall River native, will deliver the main address and receive an honorary degree at UMass Dartmouth's May 17 commencement ceremony honoring graduates of the engineering, nursing, visual and performing arts, and marine science and technology programs.

The 1962 BMC Durfee High School graduate was a member of the National Honor Society and Math Club, the start of a stellar career that eventually led to Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He had been a faculty member at MIT for 40 years when President Barack Obama in 2013 picked him for the energy post.

In addition to Moniz, business leader Robert Leduc, Rev. Liz Walker and retired U.S. Army Col. Susan Annicelli will receive honorary degrees at the 114th commencement exercises scheduled for May 16-19.

“As we prepare to send the 1,500 members of the Class of 2014 into a world of rapid change related to the environment, the economy, health care, technology and our relationships with each other, we will have the benefit of the example projected by our honorees,” Chancellor Divina Grossman said in a news release. “These are all individuals of immense talent and intellect who have chosen to use their gifts for the betterment of society. We take great pride in having them participate in our Commencement exercises.”